Words Of LaFever

Thursday, October 2, 2008

This one came out of nowhere. Short and sweet, but with one underlying reference. It had to do with the unnecessary steps often found in all of the processes we go though in daily life. Not a solution, though. Just a humorous look at steps.

Step To It2005

I spoke with my podiatrist last nightRegarding my feet

He asked me if I was walkingMore than I shouldOr taking unnecessary steps

I told him I always go the distanceWhich meant taking extra stepsTo get the job done

He said it was okayAs long as I take extra stepsTo prevent the unnecessary steps

I said, “easy for you to say,Until you’ve walked a mile in my shoes”

He quipped, “well, if worse comes to worse,I’ll send for the toe truck!”

I work in the financial district of San Francisco. One of the things one first notices are the bike messengers delivering same-day packages to their destinations. They collided with the occasional vehicle, who were clueless to their presence, but rarely connected to the pedestrian. And there were many. So watched. And studied. And realized. This was street mathematics at its best. These guys were clocking in the pedestrians, and flying by without so much as a breeze. Enlightenment came when I noticed one coming my way. I stopped. He almost flew over the handlebars trying to avoid me. He said as he passed by, “Don’t move. Or even look at us. We know where you’re going and how fast. If you stop, you’ll get hit.” Sounds good to me. Who am I to argue.

More games, same year, now with your friendly neighborhood local utility provider. I lost my temper, I’ll admit. But for good reason. I was vindicated in the end. PG&E. Got the bill for the month. $240.00. What??? I paid the past due balance last month. Something was wrong here. Obviously, they misread the meter. Now for the phone call. Gave my account number. It was clear by what appeared on their screen, including the recent payment, that there was a misreading of the meter, outside my apartment building. I asked, “Will someone come out to re-read the meter, and issue a new bill?” “No. You’ll have to pay this bill, as it is due.” “But it’s $240.00. That’s six months worth of dues.” “Sorry sir. We can’t change the billing.” Bullshit.

So I started in on him. “I’m not paying this bill. You guys made the mistake. And I’m not paying for it.” “That’s your right, sir, but if you don’t, you’ll be shut off.” “Fuck you. Shut me off. When I bring this up to management, knowing you have the ability to rectify this, it’ll be your ass.” “Sir, there’s no need for profanity. I don’t use it. My family doesn’t use it. And I won’t tolerate it being used in my presence.”

At this point, I didn’t care, and hung up on him. Of course, this will always come back to haunt you. It’s why you get the recording message in the beginning. “This call may be monitored for training purposes.” Bullshit. It’s a way to cover their ass. I knew this. And also knew there would be a record of my conversation. So I called back. Calm, mind you. If you need assistance, no sense in coming out swinging.

“Hi. I just got off the phone with one of your reps. It didn’t go anywhere. I was polite at first, but worse came to worse, due the lack of service I knew was possible from your end, and lost my temper. So I’m here to start from the beginning, to see if there’s something that can be done here, to prevent the loss of power as a result. Here’s my situation.”

Sure enough, the rep concurred. “Yup, shows here there was an outburst. You seem calm enough now. Let’s start from the beginning.” I explained the situation just as I had previously. He said, “No problem. I find it odd the previous rep couldn’t resolve this. Obviously, the meter was misread. Here’s what we can and will do. We can’t arrange at this time, a return to your property. What we can do is put a notification on your account that the meter was misread. All you have to do is nothing at this time. Next month, after the meter is read, the miscalculation will correct itself. Of course, you’ll be responsible for two months.” Done deal. Now why couldn’t the first guy do this? I didn’t blow up until AFTER he said there was nothing he could do. Prick.

And so it goes. When dealing with customer service, involving a discrepancy on a bill, missing parts, a disruption in service, etc, remember: customer service personnel are there to help. What happened to you is not of their doing, and, subsequently, not their fault. They get yelled at, chastised, chided, demeaned, and rode, for reasons that are not their doing. Here’s the scoop: you deserve it if you waited until after the last minute, when it is too late, no matter how much you bitch about it. But if you take a second to rationalize, count to 10, and take a deep breath, and have a set of circumstances you believe can be negotiated, you may have a chance. But you have to keep a cool head. For what they make an hour, it is in your best interest to be cool.

You can wait until the last minute, but remember where the edge lies. The edge is the disconnection, or cancellation. You can always negotiate up that point, but not after. Remember, they just want to get paid. Of course, negotiations are dependent on your history. If you make arrangements, even at the last minute, and don’t keep them, you can’t be trusted.

I’ve found that a payment to keep from having service interrupted, can always, ALWAYS, be made, that week. Weekends don’t count. If you call on a Friday to keep from losing service you know will end on Saturday, and it does, trust me; they’re not going to agree to a payment on Monday. A lot has to do with the outstanding amount. They’ll accept a portion, as long as you agree to a later date for the remainder. Blow it off and there goes your credit rating. You can only put it off for so long. After a certain point, you lose. Then come deposits as security. You know, collateral.

But don’t be alarmed. For example: if your service is shut off, such as cable or gas; it is done by computer. And can be turned on within a couple hours after payment has been received. Wait too long, and they physically turn it off at the source: your building. Now you have to arrange a time to be home for when they come out to turn it on. The sad part is, they didn’t need you to be there to turn it off. But now they need you there to turn it back on. And it’s a four-hour window. You have to take a half-day off from work. Do they show up early? Never. In fact, more often than not, you end up calling back to find out when they’re coming, since, now, it’s after the window they originally gave you. Sucks, doesn’t it. They know this. So I like to turn the tables on them. I tell them, “Why do I have to be there? I wasn’t there when you came out to disconnect me? The same should apply for the reconnect. You want me there so you can get in. Didn’t need me there for the disconnect.”

Doesn’t work every time. Instead of taking a half-day, schedule it for a Saturday. You’re home, anyway, and they’re working a Saturday. They’re gonna be late, no matter what. Make it as difficult as you can. Part of it is customer service’s doing. Part of it, I guarantee you, is the guy coming to service you. He doesn’t give a shit. Make his life difficult. Play dumb. He just might feel sorry for you.
I almost forgot the most important point. Be nice. The best results I ever get is when I open the conversation with this: “Hi. I need to make arrangements because I’m in a bind. I’m not happy about it but that’s not your doing and not your fault. I know you get yelled at on a regular basis, but you don’t have to worry about that here.” I give the account number, followed by the name, address, phone, and last four digits of my Social Security number, one after the other. Standard information always asked at the beginning. More often than not, they’re appreciative, if not also impressed. From that point on, cracking jokes and laughing puts them at ease, and whatever they are able to do, will happen.

Doing The Job
2003

So your job involves customer service

But when there’s nothing you can do,
Or won’t, as is sometimes the case,
Because you CAN make exceptions
Then you’re just doing your job

The truth of the matter is -
You have to be nice
The tape is rolling

And I have to, too
Unfortunately
If I am to succeed

I know you can make concessions
Depending on the circumstances

Unfortunately,
Whether you choose to or not
Depends my attitude
So if you choose to just do your job
It is not in the interest of customer service

And I as the customer
Suffers

(Obviously the exception to the rule when referring to that urban anecdote, “The customer is always right”.)

I was on a roll that year. Goes back to my work ethic. Always hardworking; trying to help others. I was constantly told by coworkers, “dude, you’re making me look bad”. Of course, that was always from those who were looking to move up. Or simply lazy. All of a sudden, I’m in their way. Others felt differently. Always got along with those beside me who didn’t feel the same. As far as they were concerned, the more I did, and the faster I worked, the less they had to do. And they knew it wasn’t anything personal. I wasn’t trying to move up. But I, unknowingly, became a roadblock. Until I heard this quote: “I can’t make you look bad; only you can make you look bad”. Came in handy during political squabbles when confronted. Wrote a poem about it. Like to hear it? Here it goes:

Looking Good2003

I get resentment everywhere I goBut it isn’t necessarily anyone’s faultIt’s because of the speed I workMy work ethic has a lot to do with itI’ll admitI don’t force my ways on othersUnless it’s somethingFor which I’m responsibleI only challenge others to keep upBut not outrightI challenge by doingI get a lot done by how fast I workBut not too fastWhere accuracy is sacrificedIf that were the caseErrors would occur on a regular basisAlways doesWhen trying too hard to go too fast

I work at this speedBecause it comes naturallyErrors occur once in a while(nobody’s perfect)but are corrected as they occurbecause of the attention-to-detail“An error becomes a mistake,when you refuse to correct it”someone once said

Resentment?

Others think I work fast on purposeTo make them look badTo which I only have this to say,“Only youCan make yourself look bad”.

Somewhere around the same time, I called about a class at City College of SF. I was told the class was free, but the materials for the class had to be purchased. I said that it wasn’t a free class, since materials had to be purchased for the class. I was told again it was a free class, but that the materials were necessary, but not required, for the class. I asked if I could pass the class without the materials. “Not likely.” “So, in essence, in order to pass the class, the materials were necessary.” “Yes.” “So I have to pay for these materials, unless someone gives it to me for free.” “In short, yes.” Then the class is not free, no matter how you justify it. Shameful in their disregard for and manipulation of the English language.

Class Dismissed2003

No such thing as a free lunch?Sure there isBut a free class?What, no can see the hidden cost?

‘Shit Creek’ was a result at the same location (it was a painful two years). A generalized account of shit that happens, that is out of your control, which your boss uses as an explanation over which he has no control. What a copout.

Shit Creek2003

When it comes to the job,what you don't like about itdepends on what section you're in...

Management,Professional,or Administrative...

If you're in Management,It’s the decision-making process,The bureaucracy of it all,Cuz it takes foreverTo get anything done or passed...

If you're a Professional,It's the client and the work that is hated,Cuz the client asks the impossible,And everyone knows, the client is always right…

But if you're an Admin,That’s the worst,Cuz everything rolls downhill,And everyone shits on admin...

This next one is general in nature, but specific, without a doubt; same location, same boss. It represents that aspect of taking credit for something of your doing and input, by someone else. In this case, the boss.

Think’n’Speak2003

Interjecting…With a new or alternative ideaFor the benefit of the clientIs always a positive thing

In this case,Not to minimize your inputAs it is a case by case thingBut more to keep in mindFor the future

In your haste to push a new productas an alternativeeven if it would have been perfect for your needsyour intentions were admirablebut premature

the conversation had not finishedmeaning all the details were not disclosedyour alternative had limitationsand would not have workedif only you had waited for all the details

feeling is based on emotionthinking, on logicwhile you feel you interjectedI think you interrupted.

Ah, the daily setbacks on the job. No one’s fault. This is why a new quip came to surface. Remember the old one, “To err is human, to forgive, divine”? The information Age gave rise to an altered version, and appropriate it was. “To err is human; to really foul things up requires a computer.” And that it did. In the form of quirks and glitches. Glitches were random; quirks, a constant. Huh? You know them. Glitches were problems in the system that would surface, then disappear. Infrequent in nature, you couldn’t call for service because you couldn’t rely on them to occur in the presence of the technician. Quirks, on the other hand, were problems that arose due to conflicts in the software. It wasn’t the software specifically, but in the transition from one location to another. Quark was a ‘graphics’ software we were using at the time. So, files would be sent from one department to another. Glitches happened occasionally, preventing the file from being downloaded, or printed. The doc was resent, and/or the system acting as the brain, was rebooted. Glitches disappeared. Quirks, on the other hand, were glitches that remained as a constant. They were something in the file that would prevent its execution. And not disappear after repeated submissions.So, in an attempt at humor, to commemorate the situation, I wrote a poem about it. Of course, you have to have background knowledge of Star Trek, past and present. Don’t forget the sub-atomic, molecular, particle breakdown and all of its components, as it were, in Science. Like to hear it? Here it goes…

A Quirk in the Quark File2003

how many quirks make up a Quark?

Quark seems larger than a quirk.Quark is capitalized,quirk, on the other hand, is in lower case.

so it only seems fitting that there be a number of quirks per Quarkrather than a quirk made up of Quarks...besides, the variables here are ‘a’ and ‘i’ and ‘a’ comes before ‘i’…

of course the argument could be madethat quirks came before Quarks…so how many Quarks make up a quirk?

Captain Quirk came first before Deep Space Nine’s Quark,who, ironically, was quirky,but where did the little quirks come from?the captain produced no little ones…or did he?the captain was always involved with aliens…would that make Quark the illegitimate son of Quirk?

Quark is singular while quirks are plural…which gives the impression that quirks came from Quark…making them appear related…

Quark could be the parent…after all, Quark rhymes with patriarch and matriarch…and kids are quirky…King Quark and the Quark Queen ruling a kingdom of quirks…maybe Quark is half a quirk and half a glitch…quirks are random and glitches are constant…both make the Quark stable…take one part out and it becomes the other…

More workplace politics. Those who would request immediate attention, in spite of their disregard for those before them. Was always a result of last minute demands, disguised as requests. And used management as a tool to justify bumping others. And needed it beyond what was acceptable. Every time.

Every Time…2003

The same people do the same shit, over and over...every time...it's those same people that always get me into trouble...every time...as much as I try not to, it always happens, in varying degrees...but, like you said, sometimes you have to push back.

Pushing back works to a degree...but even pushing back just a little,will land you in hot water, every time...at which time you have to explain yourself, every time...

You could push back,then getting stepped on and walked over all the time, every time...or, you can push back hard,and get into serious trouble.or you could push back a little,and have to explain yourself after the fact, every time...

even though it's the same people...every time...and your boss can tell what happened,,without even asking you,because it's the same people, every time...

of course, even if you push back a little,those same people will continue to push, just to push,every time...making you push back harder the next time...

every time this stuff happens,I get in trouble,every time...

for no reason but to humor those who are pushing...cuz they do it deliberately…every time...

2003, while not a good year in the work sense, turned out to be a productive year, in the writing aspect, putting down everything that crossed my mind. It was a way of dealing with the office politics occurring at the time, which I won’t mention here (KPMG). Of course, at this time of my life, I was through sweating it and dwelling on it. Based on all of the experience from years before, it was easy to apply it in future situations. No sense in losing sleep over it. I came up with this one after being continually asked what my plans were for vacation. I’m taking Friday off. It’s just time off. Three-day-weekend. No big deal. Give me a break.

Vacation2003

I’m on vacation next week…Going anywhere?Yeah…I’m going home…Oh, where’s that?Right up the street…Funny, but are you going anywhere?Yes…After I get home,I’m going to the corner store…To buy beer…Oh, not going anywhere, huh?No I’m leaving when I finish my beer…Where you off to?The bathroom…where else?See, I knew it,You’re not going anywhere…On the contrary,As soon as I’m done in the bathroom…Yeah, right…What…don’t you want to know?Now I’m afraid to ask…I’m leaving tonight…Well, it’s about time...Where you going?I’m going to bed…Now leave me alone…I’ve got things to do…Places to go…

Can’t remember what brought on the next one. ‘I don’t know’ is as common as ‘I’m sorry’. I won’t go there. At least, not yet. It was used in a different sense in one of my favorite films, “Get Shorty”. Star-filled cast. Great storyline. The kind of movie you throw on when there’s nothing else on. Highly recommended. John Travolta arrives at a restaurant to meet up with Rene Russo and Gene Hackman. Reaching the top of the stairs, he is blocked by Delroy Lindo and James Gandolfini (yup, Tony Soprano himself, playing ‘Bear’, a stuntman/bodyguard). After ‘Bear’ is thrown down the stairs, Delroy says to John, “You don’t know me; you only think you do”.

You Think You Know2003

You think you know…And you’re right; you think –But you don’t know,You only think you do…

Welcome to the English language, in all of its perverse manifestations and third class interpretations. The majority of these were penned in the nineties and beyond; and mostly related to the office workplace. ‘ASAP’ is an obvious reaction the often-requested last-minute requests common in the workplace. For those of you living under a rock, cuz you never know, ASAP is an acronym for ‘as soon as possible’. Wrote a poem about it. Like to hear it? Here it goes…

A S A P2003

Can I get this as ASAP?Sure…

Do you know when it will be ready?Soon...

But I need it ASAP! Is right now, not possible?

Nothing’s impossible...But you’re right, right now is not possible...

See:When you say “ASAP”,I see “As Soon As Possible”…

At this point in time, it may not be possible,But nothing’s impossible...

for a momentI look at the starsAnd wonderAnd gazeTo the heavens aboveAnd wonderWhat lies aheadFor this self of mineI wonderWho might she beWill she think of meOr wonderOf the heavens aboveWhile the stars shineAnd I wonderWill she careLike I’ve caredTo wonderAs I doAre feelings as strongAs I wonderIf I only knewWho she wasI wonder…

Another attempt at seduction, my Indian Princess was an associate at a former employer. Trying to strike gold like before, I guess. She definitely caught my eye. Unfortunately, I ended up in the friend zone. What makes this endeavor stand out? She showed this to another associate, while I was present in her office. His comment: “This guy wants to do you!” Was I that obvious? I think she knew. We looked at each other after he said that. Played it off well, though. I didn’t want to pressure it. Hey, we worked together. I guess I never really learned the first time. Maybe I don’t consider it a mistake, so by trying over and over, I’m not really making the same mistake twice, but simply exploring the same opportunities, but in a different setting. I didn’t like going out to the bar scene anyway, and hey, what do singles’ groups always say? Seek amongst common environments. Work is one of them. And neither of us were in the same department; and neither of us were over the other. It could work. It did for others; albeit, not for everyone. Seen it first hand. But she made it known she knew by looking at me immediately after his comment. In retrospect, it probably wouldn’t have worked out, so it ended up being more fun with the tension in place. Some things are better left in the dream stage. Wrote a poem about her. Like to hear it? Here it goes…

Indian Princess1994

Indian eyes burning brightOf what it is you dream at nightOn the horizon birds in flightBlinded by the shining light

They will come and they will goSomehow they will never knowSo much to learn that makes you soYou stand alone while the winds blow

In a moment of passion, I tried my hand at adult prose. So, just to get you in the mood… Maybe it was all those years reading the Penthouse letters. If you get a hard-on or wet in the process, I will have succeeded. You can thank me later.

Inti-Mates1993

It starts with a stareEyes driftingCaught in the line of sightSmiles occurDistance between decreasesHands extend to encircleLips entanglingDarting exchanges withinMoving down the slopesAcross the valley rangeTo a hidden door unlocked

The following was the second of two for Maria, as I continued to woo her. She was flattered; but was cool about letting me down softly. I understood. It was hard to accept, though. Nonetheless, I wrote a poem about it. Like to hear it? Here it goes…

Lost Love, Too1994

Most never find itI discard realizing laterThe first in my lifeRegretting for years to comeNow I find anotherA second in one lifetimeOnly to lose herShortly thereafter

That’s twice now I’ve criedMore now than beforeFeelings run deepAs the heart is severedJust when I thought…I encounter a forceInvisible by natureImpenetrable physically

It’s not brick or stoneWhich crumbles with a shakeNor metal or woodWhich burns under heat‘Tis stronger yesThis shear wall of fearYou cannot climb itOr breakthrough to within

My dearest has a wallAs high as the heavensThicker than thickBut there’s nothing I can doThe reasons whyAre fully understoodBut not why there’s fearIn sharing the heart with me

Unfairness prevailsWhen comparing to othersSo much to learnShe’ll never realizeI’m not like the othersHer search will be difficultIf chosen not to return…or not to search at all

it’s her choice nowto do what she wishesas it always has beenI hope so soonShe’ll destroy what was builtAnd realize who she hadSomeone who would doAnything for her.

But time never stopsMaybe this time aheadWon’t be as lengthyIf my princess returnsI hope it’s not too lateFor I cannot waitAnd wonder if and whenShe’ll “borrow my lips for the night”

It truly is more difficultWaiting than letting goIt hurts so muchTo be with herAs I begin to cryAnd I shall always cryWhen thinking of my princess – why?Because I love her.

Five minutes left of lifeBefore to float awayHow shall I know?In her arms to holdEmbracing to keep stillI wonder but for nowPausing to reflectUnlike herself, you seeIf this what I wishCrossing over eternal

Freedom is near…

Sitting motionless, patientPresence drawing to closeTouch upon my shoulderI turn to her soul’s gazeShe smiles beauty so brightWrapping me withinLost in each other’s eyesLeaning to draw from meLeaving engulfed togetherReturning for those left behind

You gotta love spontaneity. The best stuff comes out at the most unusual times. Like Ronnie James Dio writing lyrics, all medieval-based; but 90% of the time, written while watching sports. Huh?! Second In Command came to mind while watching one of the “Nightmare On Elm Street” installments. The part where they were going over the history surrounding his birth. Specifically, the rape of his mother, a nun, by 10,000 maniacs, at an insane asylum at which she worked. Evil personified.

Second In Command1992

The priests aimlessly walkYet with purposeA destination to unknownEyes affix on the eldersA door bears the markChaos and disorder reignTime is of no relevanceDoors stretch into positionScreams echo through the corridorsFear permeates the open spaceThe entity sits in judgmentDarkness abounds with words unspokenForces accumulate from withinLightning strikes, the sky blackensThe soul from the present driftsA destination to unforeseenWreaking havoc on those unknowingSeeking the power to uncreateAll that remains will descend.

Ironically, as it were, this is a love poem for someone who had the same interests and fascination as myself: vampires. Unfortunately, I was stuck in the friend zone. Probably a good thing, in the end. I heard later on, she developed some high-maintenance issues. Like I said, dreamstage.

Merging To Descend1992

I’m bound by her tranceHer blades rise to sliceI defy with my lanceMetal takes its price

To no avail strike is swiftHer eyes pierce to withinMy soul it doth liftHer beauty above all sin

We take to the airSearching for blood unknownTo drain the life force bareNever to be left alone

Racing through the fireLightning pierces, strikesMoments after I passJust missingDown hell’s highway I flyNothing in my wayPeople say through hell they wentMaybe a destination it is notBut merely something to go throughHow many times must IFor now, just passing byOverhead and out of reachCan’t stop, always goingSomething about speedMakes me a demon

Swiftly through timeNo man I do fearHazards aboundWhen traveling above groundBlackholes and whirlwindsCapturing soulsMy soul stands aloneNever in one placeWith mobile velocityIn search of nothingContinually learningGaining strengthFrom the forces of lifeCheating death for the hell of itInvincibility, no anger or furyIn flying highThe dimensions areOnly I know why

No one knowsYou have no ideaI scream while no one listensNo one hears but the beastsThey fear not my wrathHellhounds awaken by my sideTo wait is their goalFor my ascensionFor they cannot keep upThey understandLife is not withoutThe speed demon.

Of course, as spiritual as this one may appear, it is actually a reflection of an experience that occurred when someone asked for something with ulterior motives in mind. Wrote a poem about it. Like to hear it? Here it goes. Piece of Mind1991

Everyone remembersIf they so chooseMemories remainIt’s there to claimSome prefer notTo capture whatIs left behind

There is a reasonFor that which remainsThe banks of the mindStand in lineTo surface at willWhen provoked, but stillCan be controlled

What is to gainWhen motives are falseDon’t’ believeWhat others perceiveFor they know notThat you have gotYour own piece of mind.

Unknown explored with great anewMountainous valleys upon treadA ferry ride ‘tween shores of yoreAsleep on earth of bed.Pacific provides a sunset viewThe stars are out to seeWhence the clouds occasionally stifleThe Science Academy’s help to degree.

Here’s an interesting selection. It definitely represents the passion I have (typical Gemini); even if it is just a waitress in a restaurant. Sasha was her name. A Greek pizzeria was her game. She freaked out after I gave it to her. It took me 7 months before I made it back to the place. She was gone anyway. Hey, it’s a gamble. I know I may have come on a little strong, but if she can’t handle it, it wouldn’t have worked for me anyway. I’ll bet someone she showed it to, wished it were written for her. I should have been on the lookout for glances from her associates. She reminded me of a peasant girl from a medieval village (medieval again?). Milky-white skin, not like the flushed variety common in the Caucasian community. And the uniform. Straight out of the 14th century. Wrote a poem about her. Like to hear it? Here it goes…

Sasha1990

The wind blows softly as a honeydew kissLike a breeze whistling through willowAlas, I have none to share in blissA tear ponds on thy pillow.

The pond’s a reminder of what could beWhat outcome I shant knowI dream until the day I’ll seeSomeone unique like the flake’s snow.Pursuit is arduous, shyness prevailsI prefereth the written wordIf mine thoughts aren’t taken, I shall failUnseen mine attempt, yet heard.Thy resembleth fair maiden of flightWit and humor envelop meThine eyes shine like blinding lightAnd a smile as sweet as a pea.

Thy Sasha remindeth of a lovely songMy wish to see again, it is –For now my space ‘tis almost goneI drink to thee with a kiss.

This one was a brief but tumultuous turn of events. Cool, to start. Beautiful green eyes. But hell to deal with, especially when under the influence of alcohol. This one was the psycho bitch from hell, from hell. Obviously, this one didn’t last long, especially since my living situation at the time, near her, was cut short by a roommate. Wrote a poem about her. Like to hear it? Here it goes…

“Join me, and we’ll rule the galaxy together, as father and son. The emperor has foreseen this”. Hell, yeah, pops. Let’s destroy him now so we can get started right away. You gotta love the dark side. People fear what they do not know. I find it fascinating. Mostly vampires, though. I don’t do zombies or supernatural shit. I can tolerate satanic stuff, but only so much. Nonetheless, I use it to freak others out. Remember, it’s all calculated and methodical. Keeps people on their toes. And at bay. People won’t mess with those who appear to be on the edge. I know I wouldn’t. But will if I have too, on the chance they’re bluffing. Wrote about it. Like to hear it? Here it goes…

The Chosen1989

I dream for the futureLosers bewareI am the dragonlordRisen the lairMy vision is spiritualMy soul aware

A wisdom flowingThrough human raceI transcend the starsAt which you gazeSilently driftingIn time and space

The essence I seekA psychic harmonySharing unearthedUniversal discoveriesA new age of disciplineIs my prophecy

The chapter title speaks for itself. These came about during reflective times. A period where I was exploring and learning the various eastern philosophies; the Buddhist sects of Tibet, China and Japan, along with those of Confucius and Tao.

Inner Self1989

Not born againAs in ChristianConnotationLife is renewedUnaskewedThe outside remainsIf the inside’s unchangedTo alterWithoutOne must uncloudThe inner self

Miss February is dedicated to…I don’t even remember her name. It wasn’t even a relationship. Well, it was, sort of. A working relationship, that is. She was the Promotions Coordinator for Bill Graham Presents. I was her poster boy, no, make that poster distribution rep. Hey, being a native San Franciscan has its privileges, knowing all the districts in the city and where to appropriately hang posters. Alright, so I had a crush on her. Happens to the best of us. It’s why people who work together fall for each other. Anyway, this is dedicated to her. February was her birthday month. Wrote a poem about it. Like to hear it? Here it goes.

Miss February,Queen of Hearts1988

My heart is ever filledBrimming with delightAs each day passes onForever into night

A holiday to someAnother day to youA special day for meTo show my love is trueAt snail speed I crawlGiving space and timeBut let us show affectionFor today it’s not a crime

With all my heart and soulAccept this if you mayMy love grows stronger stillHappy Valentine’s Day.

I used the term ‘hemispheres’ here to represent the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It’s a common trait of Geminis, especially with left-handers. Physiologically speaking, the left side of the brain governs the right side of the body, so left-handers are in their right minds. That’s right, I said it. It had to be said. Someone had to say it. Left side is cognitive and systems/analysis/science-based. The right side is abstract and creative/artistic-based. The benefit for Geminis: get the science part down, and improving on it, making it an art. Typical next-level format. Physical first, as the foundation, mental second, to understand, spiritual third, to know without knowing, and acting without thinking.Pinnacles was originally written about/for someone, and normally I wouldn’t change the title, but after a falling out, and since the poem itself was a perfect description of the surroundings that prompted the verse in the first place, I felt it appropriate to turn a negative into a positive. If you ever have a chance to visit Pinnacles National Park, I highly recommend it.

It’s located on the outskirts of Gilroy, California. Pinnacles is a mountain range now officially designated as a landmark. There are numerous hiking trails, starting on both sides of the range. I recommend the east side, and coming down the west side. The east side is more breathtaking, and takes longer, making it more enjoyable.

Start along the tree-lined trails until you reach the entrance to the caves. Classic spelunking. Definitely bring a flashlight. You have to squat, too, to get under certain areas. On the other side is a stairwell, leading up to the top. Out of nowhere, would you believe, a lake? Trails branch off from there, leading to the top of a variety of peaks. The vistas are nothing short of amazing. You can see for hundreds of miles. Nothing but terrain.

When done, work your way west to the steep side of the range. So steep, the trails wind down in a zigzag fashion. Most notably, several miles away at the bottom of the range, is a building resembling the Pentagon. In reality, though, it is actually Soledad State Penitentiary. Scary, huh?! Wrote a poem about it. Like to hear it; here it goes.

Pinnacles
1988

Your mountain majesties
Captured my soul
The first day that we met

A day in the sun
Amidst our friends
You stood out I admit
Your glowing caverns
Early morning bright
Pierced my shell to within

I suppose we should start out with the one that represents my sign the most, if you want to have an idea of whom I am. It exhibits a common underlying theme throughout many of my writings; that being medieval-related; and my Gemini nature. I was always fascinated with the medieval times (14th century). And no, I’ve yet to experience Hollywood’s Medieval Times. Some day. The most important aspect: the code of the knights of the roundtable. Honor. Discipline. Respect. Same as in the Asian arts. Wrote a poem about it. Like to hear it; here it goes…

The Dual1988

Gemini be meThere’s More to SeeMy ideas wait to set freeFrom thoughts withinI conjure upLife beknownst, a silver cupFrom which to drinkA chalice to theeWithout malice, come dual with me.

There are two sidesOf which to standI am both sidesCome take my handOn a journey we’ll travelThrough space and timeDistant worlds within the mindIn mine there is much to seeStep inside and dual with me.

We’ll hover the hemispheresJust you and ILeft to right, o’er night we’ll flyDecisions on one sideConfusion the otherNeither overtakes one or the otherComplexities aboundWhilst thoughts divide theeThis constant dualing inside me.

What shall I doThis universe so vastSimple it seems on surface pastYou and I are oneUnited, the sameLet’s move togetherOn life’s board gameI’m fine, you see, unhurt by theeIn tune and aware, I dual with me.

And now, a dedication to my coffee girl, Maria. A Christian tormented by her past. I fell in love with her at a Def Leppard concert we attended together. We also attended my company’s Christmas party together. We were never an item, but I held out hoping. Classic example that if you don’t hook up immediately, you end up in the friendship zone. She was special, though. I rarely bring anyone with me to a company’s Christmas party. You may not agree, and even hate me for saying it, but spouses and mates at a Christmas party are a ball & chain. You can’t leave them unattended for more than 10 minutes because they don’t know anybody. If you’re lucky, they’re outgoing and can hold their own. But don’t hold your breath. Plus, you’ve got single guys hitting on them if they’re left alone and are not married. You have to get their plates and drinks for them, introduce them to everyone, who obviously aren’t going to remember her name. Going alone affords you the luxury of: socializing without dead weight, as many trips to the bar as you want without being called out by the mate, and eating as much as you want without being a glutton. Basically, the seven deadly sins of excess. You deserve it. Happens once in a lifetime. Sometimes two. If you’re lucky. Maria comes in second to Nikki. Wrote a poem about her. Like to hear it? Here it goes…

Without You1987

Time apartSlows my heartMy breath barely a mistThe waiting isThe hardest partTo, once again,Be kissed by youYesI miss dearlyA dark maneTo picture-frameYour faceEver so clearlyA lionessNo one can tameHere I amWith open armsAwaiting your embraceTo take meOut of harm’s wayWithout a traceOf spaceBetween us two

A temporaryMoment to beUntilThe time is dueMy heartWill race for theeWhen, together againWe’ll be.

The stuff dreams are made of. Dreams of finding love. And romance. Definitely trial and error. Some positive, some negative. Dirty laundry, if you will. But few and far between. Most of the selections were written during the relationship rather than after. Although some tainted clothing may surface simply because of the sheer abnormality of it all. And humorous, years later.The one that stands out the most, and is most deserving of recognition, is “Nikki”. She was not the first girlfriend; she was the first love. She set the standard so high (in my mind) that she is the reason I’m still single today. This would become my only regret in life. I was 20 and grew tired of professing my love due to her being insecure about it. (A flaw in the Gemini nature – inability to complete projects due to boredom.) I learned later most women think this way and is something we men have to get used to. Like Chris Rock said, “Women need food, water and compliments”. Anyway, I broke up to see someone else, but waited too long to attempt reconciliation. It never happened, and I’ve regretted waiting too long ever since.

The following selections are verses with someone particular in mind. Each are attributed to a different love. Some are simply generalistic; as in, dreaming and hoping for the future. The first, most importantly, came about after the first love (Nikki) and deserves its spot at the top. Wrote a poem about it. Like to hear it? Here it goes.

Lost Love1986

It’s a feeling felt
Like nothing else
You may or may not understand
To have or have not, I say
This feeling I have known once
Possibly, who’s to say
I say
And again it will
But when

Time passes like the sun
Age grows, I grow
Impatiently
Waiting, wondering, when
The end draws close
Not that close
But still, alone am I
Accumulating woes
With no one to share the joy
‘tis mostly joy in everything
No matter what I do
Enjoy it I will with you.

What is the reason
For this sensation
More than what’s in common, it is
Yes, ‘tis more than a passing phase
To like as I like
Necessary it is not
I do what others like
Selfishness be void
This, I say, is why I pray
For someone who can play
Along with, beside me
Share the feeling
I’ve missed so long
Live life, opposing views
Not right or wrong
Do you know the feeling
I speak of?

It’s out there
Yet just out of reach
I’m reaching, farther
Almost within reach
Nut as I move, it moves
Sometimes close, too close
Deception hurts, hurt it does
But invincible it is not
I can tell
I’ve seen it, felt it
What the hell is it I long for?
That I seek?
Understand you may
That’s all you can say
If never your feelings
Felt this way
Some day will come
When yes, again
Someone will feel as am I do
Yes she will
Whoever you may be
Wherever, I shall find you
My loveI’ll shareth with thee.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

The title speaks for itself. Each rhyme is preceded by the reason it came to pass. The influences go back a century or two, where the rhyme was ever so prevalent, and to which the meter was paid attention, unlike today. Just ask your English professor. The credit for my influence goes to my English instructors at my alma mater, Saint Ignatius, Mr. Isham and Mr. Grady. They taught me old school: Twain, Eliot, Longfellow, Shakespeare, cummings, Burroughs, etc. Years later, I would seek out the more contemporary works of the Beat Generation - Bukowski, Ginsburg, and Kerouac.I was still, always a sucker for the rhyme. The jokes that rhymed, seemed to be the only ones I could remember over time. Such is the paradox of a left-handed Gemini. Organizational, system-oriented on one side, creative on the other. I suppose the poets of yesteryear struggled with the same. After all, when you're writing from the heart, it doesn't exactly keep to the meter, which is the structure of the verse. That requires the mind. The neverending story.

Lastly, even though the hardcopy is divided by subject matter, the entry into blog format necessitates chronological order. No matter. So the subject matter from the beginning, will be all over the place. As it should be. As it was created. Now who can argue with that.